Red Bull may increase risk of heart damage

New research suggests just one can of Red Bull, the popular energy drink, may increase the risk of heart damage. A study of university students between the ages of 20 and 24 years old found that drinking one sugar free can of the caffeinated energy drink increased the “stickiness” of the blood and raised the risk of blood clots forming. The Australian students, who were targeted in the study, showed a cardiovascular profile similar to that of someone with heart disease after drinking one can. Red Bull has denied that the drink, which is distributed to 143 countries worldwide, is dangerous. In a statement sent to the media outlets, the company said it had been proved safe by “numerous scientific studies,” and it had never been banned anywhere. But, Dr. Scott Willoughby, of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide University, was “alarmed” at the results of his survey. In this regard, Dr. Willoughby observed:

After one can it seemed to turn the young individual into one with more of the type of profile you would expect to see in someone with cardiovascular disease. People who already have existing cardiovascular disease may want to talk to their physician before they drink Red Bull in the future.

The results shocked the 30 students tested, some of whom drank up to eight cans per night to help them stay awake to study, and according to media reports, many now refuse to consume the energy drink again. It will be interesting to see what develops now that concerns have been raised relating to safety and health issues associated with this popular product.